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Northern Ireland's Niall McGinn over the moon after Portugal goal

Northern Ireland's Niall McGinn is over the moon after scoring his first international goal to earn a draw for his side.

Last Updated: 17/10/12 11:09am

Niall McGinn: Ecstatic after giving Northern Ireland the lead in Portugal

On what was supposed to be a night to celebrate Ronaldo collecting his 100th cap, McGinn shocked home fans by giving Northern Ireland the lead in their 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Despite a Helder Postiga leveller, the Aberdeen winger, who would not have started were it not for injuries to Chris Brunt and Shane Ferguson, is still ecstatic about the goal which helped Northern Ireland gain a memorable point.

"It was just an unbelievable feeling to score against Portugal, as well as it being my first international goal, so I am just over the moon," said McGinn.

"Coming from a small village in County Tyrone, as a fan admiring players like Ronaldo and Nani then having the chance to actually play against them is something else. Obviously to score against them that's something else too!

"To score my first international goal is just fantastic and to come out here and score it against one of the world's best teams is great."

Since his summer move to Aberdeen, a month on the sidelines has frustrated the 25-year-old, however Tuesday night's heroics go some way in making up for a disappointing start to the season.

"Quite honestly, I have been playing with a smile on my face," he said.

"I've obviously come back from the injury problems I've had, have scored three in three with my club and I have been working really hard.

"I am enjoying my life at the minute, so long may that continue. Definitely, moments like this are a way of paying off for all the hard work behind the scenes."